Sony Alpha A850 - 24MP Full Frame DSLR

Sony Alpha A850, Full Frame, 24.6MP, $1999.99

Sony have announced a new full frame DSLR, the Sony Alpha A850. It uses the same 24.6MP sensor as their flagship A900, but the price will be lower ($2000 vs. $2700). It appears to have pretty much the same feature set as the A900 with a couple of exceptions. The Sony A850 has 98% viewfinder coverage, while the A900 has 100% coverage and Sony A850 has a maximum shooting rate of 3fps, while the A900 has a maximum shooting rate of 5fps. The A900 also ships with a wireless remote control, while that's an optional extra with the Sony A850.

At "just under $2000" (i.e. $1999.99), the Sony A850 is the least expensive full frame DSLR (unless you can find an original EOS 5D for less) and with a 24.6MP sensor, it's also has the highest pixel count (though only just!). The A900 received some criticism for somewhat high noise levels at high ISO settings compared with the competition (EOS 5D MkII - $2700, EOS 1Ds MkIII - $6500, Nikon D700 - $2400 and Nikon D3X - $7300). It remains to be seen if the Sony A850 can match the competition in terms of image quality and noise - it certainly beats them on price (and pixel count in the case of the D700)!

Here's the Sony Press Release:

SAN DIEGO, August 27, 2009  Aimed at experienced shooters looking for
value and sophisticated SLR performance, Sony today introduced the full-frame a (alpha)
DSLR-A850 camera and a new 28-75mm F2.8 lens.

The a850 model shares the same 24.6 megapixel sensor and most features of the flagship
a900 camera, introduced last year, but will be available for just under $2000 (body only).

Sony is bringing the benefits of a full-frame digital SLR camera to a broader
group of consumers, said Kristen Elder, director of the Digital Imaging business at
Sony Electronics. The a850 strengthens Sonys alpha DSLR line, which now offers
models in each step from high-end professional down to the amateur enthusiast.

The a850 camera is designed to deliver ultra-fine picture quality with a high
resolution, 24.6-megapixel, 35-mm full-frame Exmor CMOS sensor and fast image
processing with dual BIONZ processing engines. It also offers high-speed continuous
shooting of 24.6 megapixel images at up to three frames per second.

Ultra-Fine Images

The cameras Exmor CMOS sensor delivers the photographic expressive power of wide
angles and perspective that only a 35 mm full-frame sensor can offer, and is designed to
take advantage of the resolving power of high-precision alpha lenses. Its high pixel count
and large size provide enhanced image detail and a wider dynamic range for natural color
reproduction and subtle tonal gradations.

Image processing gets a boost in speed and power from two BIONZ processing engines.
Large amounts of data captured by the 24.6-megapixel sensor can be quickly processed to
achieve a fast shooting response. Additionally, this dual BIONZ system applies advanced
noise reduction algorithms producing images of exceptional quality and detail, especially
at high ISO sensitivities.

The cameras innovative intelligent preview function takes the guesswork out of
setting up a shot and the hassle of taking multiple shots to achieve a desired effect.

After pressing the depth of field preview button, the camera grabs a RAW

preview image which is processed and displayed on the LCD screen. You can then fine
tune white balance, determine the best level and effect of dynamic range optimization,
adjust exposure compensation and check histogram data, all before you actually take the
picture. Preview images are not recorded on the cameras memory card, thus saving
capacity.

The cameras autofocus system features nine sensors with 10 assist points for
improved tracking of moving subjects. A center dual cross sensor comprised of two
horizontal and two vertical line sensors as well as a dedicated f/2.8 sensor are included
to achieve greater precision, especially when using fast-aperture lenses.

Ultra-Bright Viewfinder with 98 Percent Coverage

The ultra-bright viewfinder with 98 percent field of view coverage and 0.74x
magnification enables accurate framing and preview. It features a high-power condenser
lens, an eyepiece with high reflective-index glass, and a multi-layer, anti-reflective
coating on optical surfaces to deliver its extraordinarily bright view.

A mirror box features a parallel-link mirror mechanism that moves on two horizontal
axes to accommodate both the large full frame mirror and the body-integrated image
stabilization system without increasing the cameras size.

Anti-Shake System for a Full-Frame Sensor

With its body-integrated SteadyShot INSIDE image stabilization, the camera
achieves an anti-shake effect equivalent to shutter speeds faster by 2.5 to 4 stops. The
anti-shake system stabilizes all Sony, Minolta and Konica-Minolta compatible lenses even
wide angle or large aperture lenses.

Versatility to Unleash Creative Possibilities

Other key features aimed to expand creative options include the Dynamic Range Optimizer
(DRO) with five levels of user-selectable correction as well as DRO bracketing for
enhanced scene analysis and graduation optimization. EV bracketing with ±2EV range makes
it easy to create high dynamic range composite images.

With the cameras HDMI output and Photo TV HD mode, your creative output can
be enjoyed on a compatible HD television. This mode brings the look of actual printed
photography to the television, by fine-tuning such image parameters as sharpness,
gradation, and color reproduction.

The a850 model features a 3-inch (diagonally), Xtra Fine LCD screen (921K) making
it possible to check focus and image quality with accuracy. It incorporates an easy-to-see
display with a quick navigation menu to easily access common functions without
interrupting your creative flow. A backlit LCD panel sits on top of the camera and
displays key settings.

The choice of full-frame lenses to complement the a850 model is enhanced with the new
SAL2875 28-75mm F2.8 SAM lens. This compact, easy-to-carry lens is ideal for photo
enthusiasts looking to add a bright, general purpose zoom to their collection of
full-frame optics.

The a850 (model DSLR-A850) will be available in September for about $2,000 (body only)
along with related accessories. All a900 accessories are compatible with the a850 camera,
including the dedicated vertical grip (model VG-C90AM). The SAL2875 lens will be available
in November for about $800.